A Field of Perspectives - Lessons I Learned as Varsity Captain by Shawn

A Field of Perspectives - Lessons I Learned as Varsity Captain by Shawn - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

Who can perfectly predict the trajectory of human growth? From my childhood, the chances of becoming the person I am today seemed as likely as catching a perfectly spiraling football from 100 yards on a stormy night. My name is Shawn Barela, a high school senior, passionate about STEM subjects, particularly Cybersecurity, and using my skills and knowledge to make a difference. And yet, my most transformative life experience so far wasn't a physics experiment, a complex math equation, or coding. It was being named the varsity football captain at my high school, a position that tugged me out of my comfort zone and made learning a contact sport.

Football, at its core, isn't just a game of strength or speed. It is a testament of strategy, resilience, foresight, and above all, teamwork. As the appointed leader of a team made up of individuals from remarkably different backgrounds, with unique outlooks, I soon discovered that success wasn't so much in acknowledging the differences, but more about harnessing them into a united force. Just like the game itself, leading involved its fair share of trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

Working with Sam, a team member, vividly exemplifies this learning journey. Sam was from a creative background, while I was rooted in STEM. Initially, his approach puzzled me. His maneuvers were crafted with an artistic bent, unlike my scientific methodology, and his off-field dedication to painting and storytelling felt unrelated to the game. I hesitated and questioned whether our perspectives would synergize on the field.

In an attempt to understand Sam's perspective better, we spent more time both on and off-field, even combining study sessions where I learned about his creative classes, and he got an insight into my scientific pursuits. His artistic outlook breathed life into the 'science', exposing me to fresh approaches and problem-solving skills that I hadn't learned from my textbooks. His lateral thinking translated directly to innovative strategies on the field, proving invaluable. Our shared learning environment blurred the boundaries between creativity and logic.

Looking back, teaming up with Sam wasn't just about overcoming differences; it was about integrating perspectives for mutual growth and better outcomes. Importantly, this experience exposed me to the applicability and potential inherent in cross-field collaboration, shaping my approach to problem-solving remarkably.

Through this interaction, I learned that different perspectives are not hurdles, but stepping stones to growth. It was a revelation that inspired me to embrace diverse viewpoints, not just on field but in my pursuits of Cybersecurity as well. I plan to carry this learning to college, where I'll encounter an even broader range of perspectives.

The experience of leading a team and working closely with Sam has enriched me, making me more open-minded, empathetic, and resourceful as a leader, student, and individual. It has enhanced my ability to view issues and solutions from multiple angles, a rapidly growing requirement in the modern technological landscape, exposing me to the power of diversity and inclusion in driving creativity and innovation.

The skills and lessons I learned as a Varsity Captain nourish my aspirations in STEM and are directly transferable to my imminent college journey and eventual career. I see the Varsity Tutors College Scholarship as an enabling environment to further cultivate these values and imbue them into my pursuit of a Cybersecurity Degree at Texas Tech University, University of Arizona, or Arizona State University.

Indeed, leadership and collaboration, fostered through harmoniously blending perspectives, have propelled my academic trajectory and personal evolution. Life, after all, is much like a football game. We can’t win alone, strategy is everything, and the most seemingly unrelated skills can often mean the difference between victory or defeat. Through this scholarship, I hope to continue exploring new perspectives, fostering inclusivity, and harnessing the power of diversity as I spearhead onto the path of my life's next big game.

As I step into this next phase of my education, I will continue to embrace discomfort as a stepping stone for growth. I am excited about the possibilities that the future holds and look forward to applying my leadership acumen, problem-solving skills, and learned adaptability in my continued pursuit of academic and professional excellence.

Thank you for considering my application. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to showcase the significant stride I have made in personal growth and leadership, and I am confident that my experiences have prepared me to thrive in college and beyond.